Melanie Fiona-This Time featuring J. Cole
My future ex baby mama links up with her Roc Nation labelmate, Cole World-No Jumpshot, for her new single. MF Life coming soon.
March Madness: Best NEW Rapper Alive Tournament
Before I start, yes I know it’s not march.
In my opinion, Hip-Hop is on its 3rd Generation. 1st Generation greats include: Rakim, Kool G. Rap, Big Daddy Kane. 2nd Generation Greats: Jay-Z, Biggie, Tupac, Nas, Eminem. Now who will be this generation’s best rapper?
Top 4 Seeds:
1. Lupe Fiasco (let’s forget about Lasers ok?)
3. Drake
4. J. Cole
Those trying to get in the tournament:
5. Blu
6. Skyzoo
7. Big K.R.I.T.
8. Curren$y
9. Schoolboy Q
10. Wale
11. Killa Kyleon
12. Alley Boy
13. Danny Brown
15. King Mez
17. Tiron
18. Iggy Azalea
19. Azealia Banks
20. Smoke DZA
21. Dom Kennedy
22. Nipsey Hu$$le
23. Chuuwee
24. Stalley
25. Fashawn
26. The Kid Daytona
27. Gilbere Forte
28. Vic Mensa
30. Casey Veggies
31. Logic
32. Earl Sweatshirt
33. Childish Gambino
34. Cyhi the Prince
35. Spaceghostpurrp
36. A$AP Rocky
37. Action Bronson
38. Yelawolf
Out of these 38, will come 32. Feel free to comment or add any names you feel that should be included (trust me, most of these names are suggestions, I don’t agree but added them for the sake of debate). Final bracket is coming in the last week of the month.
J.Cole-Cole World-The Sideline Story [review]
After numerous delays, searching for a “hit”, and waiting on an imaginary Jay-Z verse, Cole World is finally here.
The initial buzz of this album has died down due to being pushed back and the number of lackluster songs that were released, however, I assure you that this album shows the same passion and hunger of The Warm-Up.
The album intro starts off at the beginning of a conversation that tells the story of J. getting signed as the first rapper to Roc Nation. “Dollar and a Dream III” is probably the best produced track on the album due to it’s several beat changes.
Coincidentally, the album shines where the story is being told and lags when it veers off and try to be something it’s not. After the album’s interlude, comes “Sideline Story”, which uses the same sample as Consequence’s “Disperse”. This is the song that describes his process of trying to “get on”. In the center of the album’s climax, which is the middle, are songs like “Nobody’s Perfect”, “Never Told”, “Rise & Shine”, and the the track Jay-Z should have put his verse on, “God’s Gift”. “Rise and Shine” is probably my favorite song on the album because of the classic Jay-Z soundbite at the beginning.
Now let’s move on to where this album falls off. In my opinion “Can’t Get Enough” would be a hit if it was anyone else’s song but it sounds forced with J. Cole. The same goes with “In the Morning”, which makes me wonder why it’s on the album due to it’s age. “Mr. Nice Watch” is undoubtedly the album’s worst track and not even a Jay-Z verse could save it.
With all this said, I still love this album. It’s far from classic but really solid. There was a time, a long long time ago, where rappers used their first album as an introduction. Cole World really shows his struggles of getting signed and dealing with the pressure of being a Roc Nation artist. But like most debuts, this album has his kinks. I think the sophomore effort will be much more stronger once rookie mistakes are ironed out and he realizes that these painfully forced singles aren’t needed. Either way, J. Cole’s future is still as bright as it was the day The Warm Up dropped.
Final grade: 4(very strong 4)/5
Ps thanks for not including “Work Out”
J. Cole-Cole World: The Sideline Story Snippets
Im not listening but here they are if you want them. [via Amazon]
J. Cole – Mr. Nice Watch featuring Jay-Z
The verse that pushed this album back 1000 times is finally here
Kendrick Lamar-Hiii Power (prod. J. Cole)
Late pass on this #wifistruggle. But anyway, first single off Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80 album produced by by Roc Nation abductee, J. Cole
PS, go to iTunes and purchase if you want a download.
